Cycle safety fears rise in London

A survey of cycling in London has revealed that 68% of respondents have grown more concerned about safety over the past six months. 

The London Assembly Transport Committee’s Cycling in London report found that 22% of respondents were making fewer trips by bike because of concerns about safety. Some 79% thought that Cycle Superhighways were not respected by other road users. The issue of most concern was the lack of cycling infrastructure. The survey also found that the biggest factor affecting cyclists is a lack of segregated cycle lanes. 

The report notes that cyclist casualty rates fell by 46% between 2000 and 2006 but have risen every year since then. In 2012 there were 25 casualties for every million cycle trips compared with 19 in 2006.

On the subject of London’s cycle hire scheme, some 60% had contacted the cycle hire support centre. Difficulty of unlocking a bike was the main concern, followed by difficulties in paying and being overcharged for use of the bikes.

The committee voiced concern that “it is taking the Mayor and TfL longer than we would like to deliver the proposed improvements. They need to explain fully why these delays in delivery are necessary or desirable”. 

The committee added: “Investment plans have been delayed and TfL expects to underspend its cycling budget for 2013/14 by £38m (34%). TfL also underspent on cycling in 2012/13.

“TfL now expects the Cycle Superhighways programme to require up to £50m of additional funding to deliver the quality required. TfL needs to explain how it will meet this shortfall in funding.” 

www.london.gov.uk/mayor-assembly/london-assembly/publications/cycling-report-an-update

The safety of cycling in the capital will be discussed at Cycle City